China, ASEAN agree to build higher level of strategic partnership

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speak to the media after the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, the Philippines, Aug 6, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Fifth, to fully implement the China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Production Capacity Cooperation and boost each other's industrialization process.

Sixth, to build new pillars for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, ensure the success of the China-ASEAN Tourism Cooperation Year, and issue a joint statement on tourism cooperation so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for bilateral relations.

Seventh, to expedite negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and lead the process of regional integration together.

Foreign ministers of ASEAN nations congratulated China on the success of the recent Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, thanked China for its support on ASEAN's community building, recognized the positive progress of ASEAN-China ties in the past year and agreed with the depth and achievements of the China-ASEAN relations.

The foreign ministers also expressed the anticipation that as China and ASEAN celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership next year, the two sides would strengthen strategic synergy, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, innovation, connectivity, tourism and other areas so as to bring the strategic partnership to a new level.

On the South China Sea disputes, the foreign ministers fully acknowledged the positive momentum in the past year, welcomed the approval of the framework of the Code of Conduct (COC), and looked forward to further consultations on the COC under the framework of a full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Before the meeting, 10+1 foreign ministers also signed the amended version of the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing China-ASEAN Center.